Poor Richard's almanack

940

P
1914

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7MBHK

Poor Richard's Almanack

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

POOR RICHARD'S
ALMANACK /. .'. by

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Selections from the apothegms and

proverbs, with a brief sketch

of the life of Benjamin

Franklin.

Published by

THE U. S. C. PUBLISHING Co.
WATERLOO, IOWA

Copyright, 1914

by
THE U. S. C. PUBLISHING Co.

140

t

LIFE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. ' T

Opposite historic Old South Church in
Boston, on January 6, 1706, was born
Benjamin Franklin.

Benjamin was the fifteenth child of
Josiah Franklin, whose occupation was
that of tallow-chandler or candle-maker.
Business was not prosperous, and the
Franklin family was reared in very hum-
ble circumstances.

As a child, Benjamin hungered for
books and knowledge. During the two
years that his father was able to send him
to school, he showed remarkable aptitude
and industry, and rapidly outdistanced
his fellow pupils.

The first book which Franklin read was
Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress". By trad-
ing and borrowing, he managed to secure
other volumes. His passion for reading
was so intense that he attracted the at-
tention of a kind-hearted Boston mer-
chant, who gave the boy access to his
well-stocked library. Franklin read only
books which could add to his education,
and read them with a thoroughness that
extracted every bit of useful knowledge.

After leaving school, Franklin was ap-
prenticed to his brother James in the

6 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

printing trade. His wage was very small
and he had to live most frugally.

James started a newspaper, and Ben-
jamin set type and distributed the sheets.
One day, he anonymously contributed
some verses and apothegms and was
overjoyed to find them accepted and pub-
lished.

When his brother discovered that he
was the contributor, an altercation broke
out between the two, due principally to
the ill temper of James. The quarrel was
finally the cause of Benjamin's leaving
Boston and going to Philadelphia.

In Philadelphia, Franklin obtained
work with Keimer, a printer. His lodg-
ings were found at the house of Mr. Read,
with whose pretty daughter, Deborah, he
promptly fell in love. Mrs. Read, how-
ever, counselled the two to postpone the
marriage until Franklin should earn suffi-
cient to maintain his own household. He
was but eighteen years old at this time.

Sir William Keith, governor of the
province of Pennsylvania, became ac-
quainted with Franklin and offered to set
him up in the printing business. Frank-
lin, of course, accepted. At Keith's sug-
gestion, he sailed to England to purchase
an up-to-date outfit. Arrived there, he
found that Keith was without credit. His

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 7

beautiful plans went for naught and he
was stranded in England without funds
or prospects. It took him several years
to work his way back to America.

When he returned, the first news to
greet Franklin was the marriage of De-
borah Read to another man.

At 22 years of age, Franklin had not
made much progress toward the goal of
his ambition. But nothing daunted, he
applied himself with greater industry,
greater self-sacrifice and greater perse-
verance. He kept plugging away at his
trade of printer, and entered into busi-
ness ventures with other men, all of
which proved rapid failures. Finally, he
struck out for himself. Coincidently, De-
borah Read's husband died and Franklin
took her to wife.

The young couple had to live on close
margin for a few years. When Franklin
was 27 years of age, he evolved the idea
which opened the road to fame and for-
tune. This was Poor Richard's Alma-
nack. The first number had a tremendous
sale. His homely, trite, common-sense
sayings achieved wide popularity and
each succeeding issue found more sub-
scribers than its predecessor. The general
recognition and respect gained for Frank-
lin through the Almanack gave him the

8 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

opportunity to enter public life. This
sphere of activity was greatly to his lik-
ing. He held important offices and intro-
duced many splendid reforms into the
municipal government.

Franklin's pet project was an efficient
institution of learning. When he was 37
years old, his plans materialized into the
founding of an academy from which has
grown the great University of Pennsyl-
vania.

The scientists of Europe were at this
time becoming aware of a mysterious
force which they named electricity. Mus-
schenbroeck, a German, came forth with
the discovery of the Ley den jar. Frank-
lin immediately devoted himself to a
study of electricity. The subject proved
to interesting, so full of possibilities that
he sold out his printing business in order
to devote his entire effort to the new
field. His business, started on nothing,
brought the handsome price of $90,000.

When Franklin declared his belief that
electricity and lightning were identical,
the whole world laughed. He then made
his famous kite test, and proved his the-
ory. This demonstration gained world
recognition for him as a scientist and won
him many honors.

The colonies were now passing
through the turbulent period preceding

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 9

the Revolutionary War. Franklin was a
foremost figure in public life, and became
the commissioner of the colonies to Eng-
land.

The first cause for provocation on the
part of the colonies was the Stamp Act,
which imposed an enormous tax on deeds,
college degrees and printed matter. Eng-
land sought to meet the expenses of the
French-Indian war by this tax. Frank-
lin's efficient representation and effective
pleading secured its repeal in 1766.

However, one year later, Parliament
enacted a more obnoxious bill, placing a
heavy duty on tea, glass and other com-
modities. Then it was that certain indig-
nant citizens of Boston held their Boston
Tea Party and brought upon the heads of
the community the ill-considered, hateful
Boston Port Bill. The city was virtually
put in a state of seizure by the British
under General Gage.

This final action precipitated the crisis,
and the Revolutionary War was on. Gage
made his disastrous march to Concord
and Lexington, and Bunker Hill ended in
a triumph for American pluck.

Although in favor of settling the dis-
pute by arbitration, Franklin was as
zealous a patriot as any. He was a mem-
ber of the first Continental Congress, and

10 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

helped frame the Declaration of Inde-
pendence. Later he went to Paris as spe-
cial envoy to France for the colonies. He
was received with great acclaimation and
was accorded many honors. His mission
of enlisting France's aid in the struggle
was completely successful. Helped by
the money of France and by the valor of
such men as Lafayette, the Revolution
triumphed.

After an absence from America of nine
years, Franklin returned. He was given a
royal reception. Although 77 years old
now, he still gave his country the best
that was in him, until his death on April
17, 1790. At his burial 20,000 persons
gathered to do him respect and honor.

Franklin's life has been called the most
interesting and the most successful lived
by any American. And the explanation
is found in the rule that guided him
throughout his career: To go straight
forward in doing what appears to be
right, leaving the consequences to Provi-
dence.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

1. A child thinks 20 shillings and 20
years can scarce ever be spent.

2. A cold April, the barn will fill.

3. A countryman between two lawyers,
is like a fish between two cats.

4.* Act uprightly, and despise calumny;
dirt may stick to a mud wall, but not
to polish'd marble.

5. A cypher and humility make the
other figures and virtues of tenfold
value.

6. A false friend and a shadow attend
only while the sun shines.

7* A father's a treasure ; a brother's a
comfort ; a friend is both.

8. A fat kitchen, a lean will.

9. A fine genius in his own country, is
like gold in the mine.

10. A flatterer never seems absurd : The
flatter'd always takes his word.

11.* After three days men grow weary of
a wench, a guest, and weather rainy.

12. After crosses and losses men grow
humbler and wiser.

12 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

13. A full belly is the mother of all evil.

14. A full belly makes a dull brain.

15. A good example is the best sermon.

16. A good lawyer, a bad neighbor.

17. A good man is seldom uneasy, an ill
one never easy.

18. A house without woman and firelight,
is like a body without soul or sprite.

19. A lean award is better than a fat
judgment.

20. A learned blockhead is a greater
blockhead than an ignorant one.

21.* A lie stands on one leg, truth on
two.

22. A life of leisure, and a life of laziness,
are two things.

23. A light purse is a heavy curse.

24. A little house well fill'd, a little field
well till'd, and a little wife well will'd,
are great riches.

25. All blood is alike ancient.

26. All mankind are beholden to him that
is kind to the good.

27.* All things are cheap to the saving,
dear to the wasteful.

28.* All things are easy to industry, all
things difficult to sloth.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. It

29. All would live long, but none would
be old.

30. A long life may not be good enough,
but a good life is long enough.

"31. A man in a passion rides a mad horse.

32. A man without a wife, is but a half a
man.

33. A man without ceremony has need of
great merit in its place.

34. Ambition often spends foolishly what
avarice had wickedly collected.

35. A mob's a monster; heads enough,
but no brains.

36. A modern wit is one of David's fools.

37. An egg today is better than a hen to-
morrow.

38. An empty bag cannot stand upright.

39.* A new truth is a truth, an old error
is an error, though Clodpate won't al-
low either.

40. Anger and folly walk cheek by jole;
repentance treads on both their heels.

41. Anger is never without a reason, but
seldom with a good one.

42. Anger warms the invention, but over-
heats the oven.

43. An honest man will receive neither
money nor praise, that is not his due.

14 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

44. An hundred thieves cannot strip one
naked man, especially if his skin's off.

45. An ill wound, but not an ill name,
may be healed.

46. An innocent plowman is more worthy
than a vicious prince.

47.* Anoint a villian and he'll stab you;
stab him, and he'll anoint you.

48. An old man in a house is a good sign.

49. An old young man will be a young
old man.

50. An ounce of wit that is bought, is
worth a pound that is taught.

51. An undutiful daughter, will prove an
unmanageable wife.

52. A pair of good ears will drain dry an
hundred tongues.

53. A plowman on his legs is higher than

a gentleman on his knees.

54. Approve not of him that commends
all you say.

55. A quarrelsome man has no good
neighbors.

56. A quiet conscience sleeps in thunder.

57.* Are you angry that others disappoint
you? Remember you cannot depend
upon yourself.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. li

58. As charms are nonsense, nonsense is

a charm.

59. Ask and have, is sometimes dear buy-
ing.

60. A soft tongue may strike hard.

61. As pride increases, fortune declines.

62.* As sore places meet most rubs, proud
folks meet most affronts.

63. A temper to bear much, will have

much to bear.

64. A wicked hero will turn his back to

an innocent coward.

65. As we must account for every idle
word, so we must for every idle
silence.

66. At a great pennyworth, pause a

while.

67. A traveller should have a hog's nose,
deer's legs, and an ass's back.

68. At the working man's house hunger

looks in but dares not enter.

69.* At 20 years of age the will reigns ; at
thirty the wit ; at 40 the judgment.

70. Bad commentators spoil the best of
books.

71. Bad gains are truly losses.

16 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

72. Bargaining has neither friends nor

relations.

73. Be always ashamed to catch thyself

idle.

74.* Be at war with your vices, at peace
with your neighbors.

75. Beauty and folly are old companions.

'76. Being ignorant is not so much a
shame, as being unwilling to learn.

77. Ben beats his pate, and fancys wit
will come ; but he may knock, there's
nobody at home.

78. Be not niggardly of what costs thee
nothing, as courtesy, counsel, and
countenance.

79. Be slow in choosing a friend, slower
in changing.

80. Better is a little with content than

much with contention.

81. Better slip with foot than tongue.

82. Beware, beware! He'll cheat without
scruple, who can without fear.

83. Beware of him that is slow to anger ;
he is angry for something, and will
not be pleased for nothing.

84.* Beware of little expenses, a small
leak will sink a great ship.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 17

85.* Beware of meat twice boil'd, and an
old foe reconcil'd.

86.* Beware of the young doctor and the
old barber.

87. Blame-all and praise-all are two block
heads.

88. Blessed is he that expects nothing,
for he shall never be disappointed.

89. Buy what thou hast no need of; and
e'er long thou shalt sell thy neces-
saries.

90. By diligence and patience, the

mouse bit in two the cable.

91. Calamity and prosperity are the
touchstones of integrity.

92. Ceremony is not civility; nor civility
ceremony.

93.* Changing countries or beds, cures
neither a bad manager, nor a fever.

94. Cheese and salt meat should be
sparingly eat.

95.* Children and princes will quarrel for
trifles.

96. Clean your finger, before you point
at my spots.

97. Clearly spoken, Mr. Fog! You ex-
plain English by Greek.

18 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

98.* Content and riches seldom meet to-
gether. Riches take thou, content-
ment I had rather.

99. Content is the philosopher's stone,
that turns all it touches into gold.

100.* Content makes poor men rich; dis-
content makes ric!i men poor.

101. Courage would fight, but discretion
won't let him.

102. Creditors have better memories than
debtors.

103.* Cut the wings of your hens and
hopes, lest they lead you a wary
dance after them.

104. Danger is sauce for prayers.

105.* Dally not with other folks' women
or money.

106. Death takes no bribes.

107. Declaiming against pride, is not al-
ways a sign of humility.

108.* Defer not thy well doing; be not
like St. George, who is always on
horseback, and never rides on.

109. Deny self for self's sake.

110.* Despair ruins some, presumption
many.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 19

111.* Different sects like different clocks,
may be all near the matter, though
they don't quite agree.

112. Diligence is the mother of good
luck.

113.* Diligence overcomes difficulties,
sloth makes them.

114. Distrust and caution are the parents
of security.

115.* Do good to thy friend to keep him,
to thy enemy to gain him.

116.* Doing an injury puts you below
your enemy; revenging one makes
you but even with him ; forgiving, it
sets you above him.

117. Do not do that which you would not
have known.

118. Do me the favor to deny me at once.

119.* Don't go to the doctor with every
distemper, nor to the lawyer with
every quarrel, nor to the pot for
every thirst.

120.* Don't judge of men's wealth or
piety, by their Sunday appearances.

121.* Don't misinform your doctor nor
your lawyer.

122. Don't overload gratitude; if you d>
she'll kick.

20 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

123. Don't think to hunt two hares with
one dog.

124. Don't throw stones at your neigh-
bors, if your own windows are glass.

125. Don't value a man for the quality he
is of, but for the qualities he pos-
sesses.

126. Dost thou love life? Then do not
squander time; for that's the stuff
life is made of.

127. Drink does not drown care, but
waters it, and makes it grow faster.

128.* Drink water ; put the money in your
pocket, and leave the dry-bellyache
in the punch-bowl.

129. Drive thy business, or it will drive
thee.

130.* Drunkenness, that worst of evils,
makes some men fools, some beasts,
some devils.

131. Early to bed and early to rise, makes
a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

132. Eat few suppers, and you'll need few
medicines.

133.* Eat to please thyself, but dress to
please others.

134. Employ thy time well, if thou mean-
est to gain leisure.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 21

135. Ever since follies have pleased, foob
have been able to divert.

136.* Every man has assurance enough to
boast of his honesty, few of their
understanding.

137. Experience keeps a dear school, yet

fools will learn in no other.

138. Eyes and priests bear no jests.

139. Fear God, and your enemies will
fear you.

140.* Fear not death ; for the sooner we
die, the longer shall we be im-
mortal.

141. Fear to do ill, and you need fear
nought else.

142.* Fine linen, girls and gold so bright,
choose not to take by candle light.

143.* Fish and visitors stink in three
days.

144. Fly pleasures and they'll follow you.

145.* Fond pride of dress is sure an
empty curse ; e'er fancy you consult,
consult your purse.

146. Fools make feasts, and wise men eat
'em.

147. Fools multiply folly.

148.* Fools need advice most, but wise
men only are the better for it.

22 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

149.* For age and want save while you
may; no morning sun lasts a whole
day.

150. For one poor man there are an hun-
dred indigent.

151.* For want of a nail the shoe is lost;
for want of a shoe, the horse is lost ;
for want of a horse the rider is lost,

152. Friendship cannot live with cere-
mony, nor without civility.

153. Friendship increases by visiting
friends, but by visiting seldom.

154. Full of courtesy, full of craft.

155. Generous minds are all of kin.

156. Genius without education is like sil-
ver in the mine.

157. Gifts burst rocks.

158. Gifts much expected, are paid, not
given.

159.* Give me yesterday's bread, this
day's flesh, and last year's cyder.

160.* Glass, china, and reputation are
easily crack'd, and never well
mended.

161. God gives all things to industry.

162. God heals, and the doctor takes the
fees.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 23

163. God helps them that help them-
selves.

164. God, parents, and instructors, can

never be requited.

165. Good sense is a thing all need, few
have, and none think they want.

166. Good wives and good plantation*
are made by good husbands.

167. Grace thou thy house, and let not
that grace thee.

168. Graft good fruit all, or graft not at
all.

169. Great almsgiving, lessens no man's
living.

170.* Great estates may venture more;
little boats must keep near shore.

171. Great famine when wolves eat
wolves.

172. Great good-nature, without pru-
dence, is a great misfortune.

173.* Great merit is coy, as well as great
pride.

174. Great modesty often hides great
merit.

175. Great spenders are bad lenders.

176. Great talkers, little doers.

1 /. Great talkers should be cropt, for
they've no need of ears.

24 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

178. Half hospitality opens his door and

shuts up his countenance.

179. Half the truth is often a great lie.

180. Half wits talk much but say little.

181. Happy that Nation, fortunate that

age, whose history is not diverting.

182. Happy's the wooing that's not long
a doing.

183. Happy Tom Crump, ne'er sees his

own hump.

184. Haste makes waste.

185. Harry Smatter, has a mouth for

every matter.

186. Have you somewhat to do to-mor-
row; do it to-day.

187. Having been poor is no shame, but
being ashamed of it, is.

188. Hear no ill of a friend, nor speak any

of an enemy.

189. Hear reason, or she'll make you feel

her.

190. He does not possess wealth, it pos-

sesses him.

191. He has chang'd his one ey'd horse

for a blind one.

192. He has lost his boots, but sav'd his

spurs.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 26

193.* He is a governor that governs his
passions, and he a servant that
serves them.

194. He is ill clothed, who is bare of
virtue.

195. He is no clown that drives the plow,
but he that doth clownish things.

196. He is not well bred, that cannot bear
ill-breeding in others.

197. Help, hands ; for I have no lands.

198. He makes a foe, who makes a jest.

199. Here comes the orator, with his

flood of words, and his drop of rea-
son.

200. He's a fool that cannot conceal his
wisdom.

201. He's a fool that makes his doctor his
heir.

202. He's gone, and forgot nothing but

to say farewell to his creditors.

203. He's the best physician that knows
the worthlessness of the most medi-
cines.

204. He that best understands the world,
least likes it.

205.* He that builds before he counts the
cost, acts foolishly; and he that

26 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

counts before he builds, finds he did
not count wisely.

206. He that buys by the penny, main-

tains not only himself, but other
people.

207. He that by the plow would thrive,
himself must either hold or drive.

208. He that can bear a reproof, and

mend by it, if he is not wise, is in a
fair way of being so.

209. He that can compose himself, is

wiser than he that composes books.

210. He that can have patience can have
what he will.

211. He that cannot bear with other
people's passions, cannot govern his
own.

212. He that cannot obey, cannot com-
mand.

213. He that can take rest is greater than

he that can take cities.

214. He that can travel well afoot, keeps
a good horse.

215. He that doth what he should not,
shall feel what he would not.

216. He that drinks fast, pays slow.

217. He that drinks his cyder alone, let

him catch his horse alone.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 27

218. He that falls in love with himself,

will have no rivals.

219. He that goes far to marry, will

either deceive or be deceived.

220. He that has a trade, has an office of
profit and honor.

221. He that has not got a wife, is not
yet a complete man.

222. He that hath a trade, hath an estate.

223. He that is of opinion money will do

everything may well be suspected
of doing everything for money.

224.* He that is rich need not live spar-
ingly, and he that can live sparing-
ly, need not be rich.

225. He that lies down with dogs, shall
rise up with fleas.

226. He that never eats too much, will
never be lazy.

227. He that pays for work before it's
done, has but a penny-worth for
two pence.

228. He that pursues two hares at once,
does not catch one and let t'other
go.

229. He that resolves to mend hereafter,

resolves not to mend now.

28 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

230. He that riseth late, must trot all day,

and shall scarce overtake his busi-
ness by night.

231. He that scatters thorns, let him not
go barefoot.

232.* He that's content hath enough; he
that complains has too much.

233. He that sells upon trust, loses many

friends, and always wants money.

234. He that sows thorns, should never
go barefoot.

235. He that speaks ill of the mare, will
buy her.

236. He that speaks much, is much mis-
taken.

237.* He that spills the rum loses that
only; he that drinks it, often loses
both that and himself.

238. He that takes a wife, takes care.

239. He that waits upon fortune, is never

sure of a dinner.

240. He that won't be counsell'd, can't be

help'd.

241. He that would catch fish, must ven-

ture his bait.

242. He that would have a short Lent,
let him borrow money to be repaid
at Easter.

POOR RICHARP'S ALMANACK. 29

243. He that would live in peace and at
ease, must not speak all he knows,
nor judge all he sees.

244. He that would rise at court, must

begin by creeping.

245. He that would travel much, should

eat little.

246. He who multiplies riches multiplies

cares.

247.* He who buys had need have 100
eyes, but one's enough for him that
sells the stuff.

248.* Hold your council before dinner;
the full belly hates thinking as well
as acting.

249. Honors change manners.

250. Honor thy father and mother, i. e.,

live so as to be an honor to them
when they are dead.

251.* Hope and a red rag, are baits for
men and mackrel.

252. Hope of gain lessens pain.

253. How few there are who have cour-
age enough to own their faults.

254. Hunger is the best pickle.

255. Hunger never saw bad bread.

256. Idleness is the Dead Sea, that swal-

lows all virtues.

30 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

257. Idleness is the greatest prodigality.

258. If it were not for the belly, the back
might wear gold.

259. If Jack's in love, he's no judge of
Jill's beauty.

260. If man could have half his wishes,

he would double his troubles.

261. If passion drives, let reason hold the
reins.

262. If pride leads the van, beggary

brings up the rear.

263. If thou hast wit and learning, add to
it wisdom and modesty.

264. If thou injurest conscience, it will

have its revenge on thee.

265.* If thou would'st live long, live
well ; for folly and wickedness
shorten life.

266. If wind blows on you thro' a hole,

make your will and take care of
your soul.

267. If worldly goods cannot save me

from death, they ought not to hin-
der me to eternal life.

268. If you'd be belov'd, make yourself

amiable.

269. If you desire many things, many

things seem but a few.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 31

270. If you'd have a servant that you
like, serve yourself.

271.* If you'd have it done, go; if not,
send.

272. If you'd know the value of money,
go and borrow some.

273. If you'd lose a troublesome visitor,

lend him money.

274. If you do what you would not, you

must hear what you would not.

275. If you have no money in your pot,

have some in your mouth.

276. If you have time don't wait for time.

277. If you know how to spend less than

you get, you have the philisopher's
stone.

278. If your head is wax, don't walk in
the sun.

279.* If you ride a horse, sit close and
tight, if you ride a man, sit easy and
light.

280. If your riches are } r ours, why don't

you take them with you to the
other world?

281. If you would be loved, love and be
lovable.

282. If you would be reveng'd of your
enemy, govern yourself.

32 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

283. If you would have guests merry

with cheer, be so yourself, or so at
least appear.

284. If you would keep your secret from

an enemy, tell it not to a friend.

285. If you would not be forgotten as

soon as you are dead and rotten,
either write things worth reading,
or do things worth writing.

286. If you would reap praise you must

sow the seeds, gentle words and
useful deeds.

287.* Ignorance leads men into a party,
and shame keeps them from getting
out again.

288.* I have never seen the philosopher's
stone that turns lead into gold, but
I have known the pursuit of it turn
a man's gold into lead.

289.* Ill company is like a dog who dirts
those most, that he loves best.

290. Ill customs and bad advice are sel-
dom forgotten.

291.* "I'll warrant ye", goes before rash-
ness; "Who'd-a-tho't" comes sneak-
ing after.

292.* Industry pays debts, despair in-
creases them.

293. In success be moderate.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 88

294. Interest which blinds some people,

enlightens others.

295. In the affairs of this world men are

saved, not by faith, but by the want
of it.

296. I saw few die of hunger, of eat-

ing 100,000.

297. Is there anything men take more

pains about than to render them-
selves unhappy?

298. It is better to take many injuries,

than to give one.

299.* It, is ill jesting with the joiner's
tools, worse with the doctor's.

300.* It is ill-manners to silence a fool,
and cruelty to let him go on.

301. It is not leisure that is not used.

302.* It is wise not to seek a secret, and
honest not to reveal it.

303. It's common for men to give pre-

tended reasons instead of one real
one.

304. It's the easiest thing in the world

for a man to deceive himself.

305. Jack Little sow'd little, and little

he'll reap.

306.* Keep flax from fire, youth from
gaming.

34 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

307.* Keep thou from the opportunity,
and God will keep thee from the
sin.

308. Keep thy shop, and thy shop will
keep thee.

309.* Keep your eyes wide open before
marriage, half shut afterwards.

310. Keep your mouth wet, feet dry.

311.* Kings and bears often w.orry their
keepers.

312.* Kings have long arms, but mis-
fortune longer ; let none think them-
selves out of her reach.

313. Late children, early orphans.

314.* Laws like to cobwebs, catch small
flies, great ones break through be-
fore your eyes.

315.* Laws too gentle are seldom
obeyed; too severe, seldom ex-
ecuted.

316. Laziness travels so slowly, that pov-
erty soon overtakes him.

317.* Learn of the skillful; he that
teaches himself, hath a fool for his
master.

318. Lend money to an enemy, and
thou'lt gain him, to a friend and
thou'lt lose him.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 85

319.* Let all men know thee, but no man
know thee thoroughly; men freely
ford that see the shallows.

320. Let every new year find you a better

man.

321. Let thy child's first lesson be obe-

dience, and the second may be what
thou wilt.

322.* Let thy discontents be thy secrets;
if the world knows them 'twill de-
spise thee and increase them.

323. Let thy maid-servant be faithful,

strong, and homely.

324. Let thy vices die before thee.

325. Liberality is not giving much, but
giving wisely.

326. Light gains, heavy purses.

327. Light heel'd mothers make leaden-

heel'd daughters.

328. Light purse, heavy heart.

329. Little rogues easily become great

ones.

330. Little strokes fell great oaks.

331. Look before, or you'll find yourself
behind.

332. Lost time is never found again.

333. Love, and be loved.

36 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

334.* Love, cough, and a smoke, can't
well be hid.

335.* Lover and Lordship hate com-
panions.

336.* Lovers, travellers, am! poets will
give money to be heard.

337. Love well, whip well.

338. Love your enemies, for they tell
you your faults.

339. Love your neighbor; yet don't pull

down your hedge.

340. Lying rides upon debt's back.

341.* Mad kings and mad bulls, are not
to be held by treaties and pack-
thread.

342. Many a man's own tongue gives evi-

dence against his understanding.

343. Many a man would have been worse,

if his estate had been better.

344. Many a meal is lost for want of

meat.

345. Many complain of their memory,

few of their judgment.

346. Many dishes, many diseases.

347. Many estates are spent in the get-
ting.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 37

348. Many foxes grow grey, but few
grow good.

349. Many have quarrel'd about religion,
that never practiced it.

350. Many medicines, few cures.

351. Many princes sin with David, but

few repent with him.

352. Many would live by their wits, but
break for want of stock.

353. Marry above thy match, and thou'lt
get a master.

354.* Marry your son when you will, but
your daughter when you can.

355. Mary's mouth costs her nothing, for

she never opens it but at others ex-
pense.

356. Meanness is the parent of insolence.
357.* Men and melons are hard to know.

358.* Men differ daily about things
which are subject to sense, is it like-
ly then they should agree about
things invisible?

359.* Men meet, mountains never.

360. Men often mistake themselves, sel-

dom forget themselves.

361. Men take more pains to mask than

mend.

38 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

362. Money and good manners make the
gentleman.

363.* Money and man a mutual friend-
ship show ; man makes false money,
money makes man so.

364. Most fools think they are only
ignorant.

365. Most of the learning in use, is of no
great use.

366.* Most people return small favors,
acknowledge middling ones, and re-
pay great ones with ingratitude.

367.* Much virtue in herbs, little in men.

368. Necessity has no law; I know some
attorneys of the same.

369. Necessity has no law; Why? Be-
cause, 'tis not to be had without
money.

370. Necessity never made a good bar-
gain.

371. Ne'er take a wife till thou hast a
house (and a fire) to put her in.

372.* Neglect kills injuries, revenge in-
creases them.

373. Neglect mending a small fault, and
'twill soon be a great one.

374. Neither praise nor dispraise, till
seven Christmasses be over.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 39

375. Never intreat a servant to dwell
with thee.

376.* Never praise your cyder, horse, or
s bedfellow.

377. Never spare the parson's wine, nor

the baker's pudding.

378. Nice eaters seldom meet with a good
dinner.

379. Nick's passions grow fat and hearty ;
his understanding looks consump-
tive.

380. Nine men in ten are suicides.

381. No gains without pains.

382. No man e'er was glorious who was
not laborious.

383. None are deceived but they that
confide.

384.* None know the unfortunate, and
the fortunate do not know them-
selves.

385. None preaches better than the ant,
and she says nothing.

386. No resolution repenting hereafter,

can be sincere.

387.* Nor eye in a letter, nor hand in a
purse, nor ear in the secret of an-
other.

40 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

388. Nothing but money is sweeter than
honey.

389. Nothing drys sooner than a tear.

390. Nothing humbler than ambition,
when it is about to climb.

391. Nothing more like a fool, than a
drunken man.

392. Nothing so popular as goodness.

393. Now I've a sheep and a cow, every
body bids me good morrow.

394. No wood without bark.

395.* No workman without tools, nor
lawyer without fools, can live by
their rules.

396. Observe all men; thyself most.

397. Observe old Vellum; he praises for-

mer times, as if he'd a mind to sell
'em.

398. Of learned fools I have seen ten
times ten ; of unlearned wise men I
have seen a hundred.

399. O Lazy-bones ! Dost thou think God
would have given thee arms and
legs, if he had not design'd thou
should'st use them.

400. Old boys have their playthings as
well as young ones; the difference
is only in the price.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 41

401. Old young and old long.

402.* One good, husband is worth two
good wives; for the scarcer things
are the more they're valued.

403. One may be more cunning than an-
other, but not more cunning than
everybody else.

404.* One mend-fault is worth two find-
faults, but one find-fault is better
than two make-faults.

405. One to-day is worth two to-mor-
rows.

406.* Onions can make ev'n heirs and
widows weep.

407.* Pain wastes the body; pleasures
the understanding.

408. Pardoning the bad, is injuring the
good.

409. Patience in market, is worth pounds

in a year.

410. Pay what you owe, and you'll know
what's your own.

411. Philosophy as well as foppery often

changes fashion.

412. Plough deep, while sluggards sleep.

413. Pollio, who values nothing that's
within, buys books as men hunt
beavers, for their skin.

42 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

414. Poor Dick eats like a well man, and

drinks like a sick.

415. Poor Plain Dealing! Dead without

issue.

416.* Poverty, poetry, and new titles of
honor, make men ridiculous.

417.* Poverty wants some things, luxury
many things, avarice all things.

418. Praise to the undeserving is severe
satire.

419. Pray, don't burn my house to roast
your eggs.

420. Prayers and provender hinder no
journey.

421. Presumption first blinds a man, then

sets him a running.

422. Pretty and witty, will wound if they
hit ye.

423.* Pride and the gout are seldom cur'd
throughout.

424. Pride breakfasted with plenty, dined
with poverty, supped with infamy.

425. Pride dines upon vanity, sups on
contempt.

426. Pride is as loud a beggar as want,
and a great deal more saucy.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 48

427. Pride gets into the coach, and shame

mounts behind.

428. Proclaim not all thou knowest, all
thou owest, all thou hast, nor all
thou canst.

429. Prodigality of time, produces pov-
erty of mind as well as of estate.

430. Promises may get thee friends, but
non-performance will turn them in-
to enemies.

431.* Proud modern learning despises
the ancient. School-men are now
laughed at by school-boys.

432. Quarrels never could last long, if on
one side only lay the wrong.

433. Rather go to bed supperless, than
run in debt for a breakfast.

434.* Reading makes a full man, medita-
tion a profound man, discourse a
clear man.

435. Read much, but not many books.

436.* Retirement does not always secure
virtue ; Lot was upright in the city,
wicked in the mountain.

437. Rob not for burnt offerings.

438.* Rob not God, nor the poor, lest
thou ruin thyself; the eagle
snatched a coal from the altar, but
it fired her nest.

44 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

439. Samson with his strong body, had

a weak head, or he would not have
laid in a harlot's lap.

440. Saying and doing have quarrel'd and
parted.

441.* Search others for their virtues, thy-
self for thy vices.

442.* Sell not virtue to purchase wealth,
nor liberty to purchase power.

443.* Silence is not always a sign of
wisdom, but babbling is ever a mark
of folly.

444. Silks and satins put out the kitchen
fire.

445. Since thou art not sure of a minute,

throw not away an hour.

446.* Singularity in the right, hath
ruined many; happy those who are
convinced of the general opinion.

447. Sleep without supping, and you'll

rise without owing for it.

448. Sloth and silence are a fool's vir-
tues.

449.* Sloth (like rust) consumes faster
than labor wears. The used key is
always bright.

450. Snowy winter, a plentiful harvest.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 45

451.* Some are justly laughed at for
keeping their money foolishly,
others for spending it idly ; he is the
greatest fool that lays it out in a
purchase of repentance.

452. Some are weatherwise, some are
otherwise.

453. Some make conscience of wearing a
hat in the church, who make none
of robbing the altar.

454. Sorrow is good for nothing but sin.

455. Spare and have is better than spend
and crave.

456.* Speak and speed; the close mouth
catches no flies.

457. Speak little, do much.

458.* Speak with contempt of none, from
slave to king; the meanest bee hath,
and will use, a sting.

459. Strange! that a man who has wit

enough to write a satire, should
have folly enough to publish it.

460. Strange, that he who lives by shifts,
can seldom shift himself.

461.* Strive to be the greatest man in
your country, and you may be dis-
appointed ; strive to be the best, and
you may succeed ; he may well win
the race that runs by himself.

46 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

462. Success has ruin'd many a man.

463.* Sudden power is apt to be insolent,
sudden liberty saucy; that behaves
best which has grown gradually.

464. Suspicion may be no fault, but
showing it may be a great one.

465.* Take counsel in wine, but resolve
afterwards in water.

466. Take courage, mortal; death can't

banish thee out of the universe.

467. Take heed of the vinegar of sweet

wine, and the anger of good-nature.

468. Take this remark from Richard,
poor and lame, whatever is begun in
anger, ends in shame.

469.* Talking against religion is un-
chaining a tiger; the beast let loose
may worry his deliverer.

470.* Tart words make no friends; a
spoonful of honey will catch more
flies than a gallon of s vinegar.

471. Teach your child to hold his tongue,
he'll learn fast enough to speak.

472.* Tell a miser he's rich, and a woman
she's old, you'll get no money of
one, nor kindness of t'other.

473. Tell me my faults, and mend your
own.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 4T

474. The absent are never without fault,
nor the present without excuse.

475.* The ancients tell us what is best,
but we must learn of the moderns
what is fittest.

476. The bell calls others to church, but

itself never minds the sermon.

477. The bird that sits, is easily shot.

478. The brave and the wise can both
pity and excuse, when cowards and
fools shew no mercy.

479.* The busy man has few idle visitors ;
to the boiling pot the flies come not.

480. The cat in gloves catches no mice.

481. The creditors are a superstitious

sect, great observers of set days
and times.

482.* The cunning man steals a horse, the
wise man lets him alone.

493. The devil sweetens poison with
honey.

484. The discontented man finds no easy

chair.

485. The doors of wisdom are never shut.

486. The end of passion is the beginning

of repentance.

487.* The excellency of hogs is fatness, of
men virtue.

48 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

488. The eye of a master, will do more
work than his hand.

489. The family of fools is ancient.

490. The favor of tLe great is no in-

heritance.

491. The generous mind least regards

money, and yet most feels the want
of it.

492. The golden age never was the pres-

ent age.

493. The good pay-master is lord of an-

other man's purse.

494. The good or ill hap of a good or ill
life, is the good or ill choice of a
good or ill wife.

495.* The heart of the fool is in his
mouth, but the mouth of the wise
man is in his heart.

496. The heathens when they dy'd, went
to bed without a candle.

497.* The honest man takes pains, and
then enjoys pleasures; the knave
takes pleasures, and then suffers
pains.

498.* The honey is sweet, but the bee has
a sting.

499. The horse thinks one thing, and he
that saddles him another.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 49

500. The idle man is the devil's hireling;

whose livery is rags, whose diet and
wages are famine and diseases.

501. The king's cheese is half wasted in

parings; but no matter, 'tis made
of the people's milk.

502. The learned fool writes his nonsense

in better language than the un-
learned ; but still 'tis nonsense.

503.* The magistrate should obey the
laws, the people should obey the
magistrate.

504. The master's eye wil do more work

than both his hands.

505. The miser's cheese is wholesom'st.

506. The most exquisite folly is made of

wisdom spun too fine.

507. The muses love the morning.

508. The nearest way to come to glory,

is to do that for conscience which
we do for glory.

509. The noblest question in the world is,

what good may I do in it?

510.* The old man has given all to his
son ; O fool ! to undress thyself be-
fore thou art going to bed.

511.* The painful preacher, like a candle
bright, consumes himself in giving
others light.

60 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

512. The poor have little, beggars none,
the rich too much, enough not one.

513.* The poor man must walk to get
meat for his stomach, the rich man
to get a stomach to his meat.

514. The prodigal generally does more
injustice than the covetous.

515.* The proof of gold is fire; the proof
of woman, gold; the proof of man,
a woman.

516. The proud hate pride in others.

517. There are lazy minds as well as lazy

bodies.

518. There are no fools so troublesome as

those that have wit.

519.* There are no ugly loves, nor hand-
some prisons.

520. There are three faithful friends, an
old wife, an old dog, and ready
money.

521.* There are three things extremely
hard, steel, a diamond and to know
one's self.

522. There is neither honor nor gain got

in dealing with a villian.

523. There is no little enemy.

524. There is no man so bad but he se-

cretly respects the good.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 61

525. There is much difference between

imitating a good man, and counter-
feiting him.

526. There's a time to wink as well as to

see.

527. There're many witty men whose

brains can't fill their bellies.

528. There's more old drunkards, than

old doctors.

529. There's none deceived but he that

trusts.

530. There's small revenge in words, but

words may be greatly revenged.

531. There was never a good knife made

of bad steel.

532. They who have nothing to trouble

them, will be troubled at nothing.

533.* The rivers and bad governments,
the lightest things swim at top.

534. The rotten apple spoils his com-

panion.

535. The royal crown cures not the head-
ache.

536. The same man cannot be both friend

and flatterer.

537. The sleeping fox catches no poultry.

Up! up!

52 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

538. The second vice is lying; the first is

running in debt.

539. The sting of a reproach is the truth

of it.

540. The sun never repents of the good

he does, nor does he ever demand a
recompence.

541. The things which hurt, instruct.

542. The tongue is ever turning to the

aching tooth.

543. The tongue offends, and the ears get

the cuffing.

544. The too obliging temper is evermore

disobliging itself.

545. The way to be safe, is never to be

secure.

546.* The way to see by faith, is to shut
the Eye of Reason. The morning
daylight appears plainer when you
put out your candle.

547. The wise man draws more advan-

tage from his enemies, than the fool
from his friends.

548. The worst wheel of the cart makes

the most noise.

549.* The wolf sheds his coat once a year,
his disposition never.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 58

550.* Think of three things, whence you
came, where you are going, and to
whom you must account.

551. Thirst after desert, not reward.

552.* Tho' modesty is a virtue, bashful-
ness is a vice.

553. Those that have much business

must have much pardon.

554. Those who are fear'd, are hated.

555. Those who in quarrels interpose,

must often wipe a bloody nose.

556. Tho' the mastiff be gentle, yet bite

him not by the lip.

557. Thou canst not joke an enemy into

a friend; but thou may'st a friend
into an enemy.

558. Three good meals a day is bad liv-

ing.

559. Three may keep a secret, if two of

them are dead.

560.* Three things are men most likely to
be cheated in, a horse, a wig, and a
wife.

561.* Tim and his handsaw are good in
their place, tho' not fit for preaching
or shaving a face.

562. Time enough always proves little
enough.

54 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

563. Time is an herb that cures all dis-
eases.

564.* Tim was so learned, that he could
name a horse in nine languages. So
ignorant, that he bought a cow to
ride on.

565.* 'Tis against some men's principle to
pay interest, and seems against
others' interest to pay the principal.

566. 'Tis a laudable ambition, that aims

at being better than his neighbors.

567. 'Tis a shame that your family is an
honor to you ! You ought to be an
honor to your family.

568.* 'Tis a strange forest that has no
rotten wood in it, and a strange kin-
dred that all are good in it.

569. 'Tis better leave for an enemy at

one's d^ath, than beg of a friend in
one's life.

570. J Tis easier to build two chimneys,

than maintain one in fuel.

571. 'Tis easier to prevent bad habits

tnan to break them.

572. 'Tis easy to see, hard to foresee.

573. 'Tis easier to suppress the first de-

sire, than to satisfy all that follow
it.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 55

574. 'Tis great confidence in a friend to

tell him your faults, greater to tell
him his.

575. 'Tis hard (but glorious) to be poor
and lionest.

576.* 'Tis less discredit to abridge petty
charges, than to stoop to petty get-
tings.

577. Tis not a holiday that's not kept
holy.

578. 'Tis a well spent penny that saves a

groat.

579. To bear other people's afflictions,

every one has courage enough, and
to spare.

580.* To be intimate with a foolish
friend, is like going to bed with a
razor.

581.* To be proud of knowledge, is to be
blind with light; to be proud of
virtue, is to poison yourself with
the antidote.

582. To-day is yesterday's pupil.

583.* To err is human, to repent divine, to
persist devilish.

584. To lengthen thy life, lessen thy
meals.

56 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

585. To-morrow every fault is to be
amended ; but that to-morrow never
comes.

586.* Tom, vain's your pains; they all
will fail; ne'er was good arrow
made of a sow's tail.

587. Tongue double, brings trouble.

588. Too much plenty makes mouth

dainty.

589. To whom thy secret thou dost tell, to

him thy freedom thou dost sell.

590. Tricks and treachery are the prac-

tice of fools, that have not wit
enough to be honest.

591.* Trouble springs from idleness; toil
from ease.

592. Trust thyself, and another shall not

betray thee.

593. Two dry sticks will burn a green

one.

594.* Up, sluggard, and waste not life ; in
the grave will be sleeping enough.

595. Vain-glory flowereth, but beareth no

fruit.

596. Vanity backbites more than malice.

597. Vice knows she's ugly, so puts on
her mask.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 57

598. Virtue and a trade, are a child's best
portion.

599. Virtue and happiness are mother

and daughter.

600.* Virtue may not always make a face
handsome, but vice will certainly
make it ugly.

601.* Visits should be short, like a win-
ter's day; lest you're too trouble-
some hasten away.

602.* Visit your aunt, but not every day ;
and call at your brother's, but not
every night.

603. Want of care does us more damage
than want of knowledge.

604. Wars bring scars.

605.* We are not so sensible of the great-
est health as of the least sickness.

606. Wealth is not his that has it, but his

that enjoys it.

607. Weighty questions ask for delib-

erate answers.

608. Welcome, mischief, if thou comest

alone.

609. Well done is better than well said.

610. Well done, is twice done.

611. We may give advice, but we cannot

give conduct.

58 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

612.* What is a butterfly at best? He's
but a caterpillar dressed, the gaudy
fop's his picture just.

613.* What's given shines, what's re-
ceiv'd is rusty.

614. What signifies knowing the names,

if you know not the nature of
things.

615. What signifies your patience, if you

can't find it when you want it.

616.* What's proper is becoming; see the
blacksmith with his white silk
apron.

617. What you would seem to be, be
really.

618. When a friend deals with a friend,

let the bargain be clear and well
penn'd, that they may continue
friends to the end.

619.* When befriended, remember it;
when you befriend, forget it.

620.* When death puts out your flame,
the snuff will tell, if we were wax
or tallow by the smell.

621. When knaves betray each other, one
can scarce be blamed or the other
pitied.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 6

622.* When knaves fall out, honest men
get their goods; when priests dis-
pute, we come at the truth.

623. When out of favor, none know thee ;

when in, thou dcst not know thy-
self.

624. When prosperity was well mounted,

she let go the bridle, and soon came
tumbling out of the saddle.

625. When reason preaches, if you won't
hear her, she'll box your ears.

626. When there's more malice shown

than matter, on Jie writer falls the
satire.

627. When the well's dry, we know the

worth of water.

628. When the wine enters, out goes the
truth.

629. When 'tis fair, be sure take your
coat with you.

630. When you're good to othere, you are
best to yourself.

631.* When you speak to a man, look on
his eyes; when he speaks to thee,
look on his mouth.

632. When you taste honey, remember

gall.

633. Where bread is wanting, all's to be

sold.

60 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

634. Where good laws are, much people
flock thither.

635. Where sense is wanting, everything

is wanting.

636. Where there's no law, there's no

bread.

637.* Where there is hunger, law is not
regarded; and where law is not re-
garded, there will be hunger.

638. Where there's marriage without
love, there will be love without
marriage.

639. Where yet was ever found the

mother, who'd change her baby for
another?

640.* Wide will wear, but narrow will
tear.

641.* Wink at small faults; remember
thou hast great ones.

642. Wish not so much to live long as to

live well.

643. Without justice courage is weak.

644. With the old almanack and the old
year, leave thy old vice, tho' ever so
dear.

645. Who dainties love, shall beggars

prove.

POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK. 61

646. Who has deceived thee so oft as
thyself?

647. Who is powerful? He that governs

his passions.

648. Who is rich ? He that is content.

649. Who is rich? He that rejoices in

his portion.

650. Who is strong? He that can con-

quer his bad habits.

651. Who is wise? He that learns from
every one.

652. Who judges best of a man, his

enemies or himself?

653. Who knows a fool, must know his
brother; for one will recommend
another.

654. Willows are weak, but they bind the

faggot.

655. Wish a miser long life, and you wish

him no good.

656.* Women and wine, game and deceit,
make the wealth small and the
wants great.

657. Words may show a man's wit, but

actions his meaning.

658. Would you live wiih ease, do what
you ought, and not what you please.

62 POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK.

659. Would you persuade, speak of in-
terest, not of reason.

660.* Write injuries in dust, benefits in
marble.

661.* Write with the learned, pronounce
with the vulgar.

662. Why does the blind man's wife paint
herself?

663.* You can bear your own faults, and
why not a fault in your wife.

664. You may be too cunning for one,out

not for all.

665. You may delay, but time will not.

666. You may give a man an office, but

you cannot give him discretion.

667. You may talk too much on the best

subjects.

668. You may sometimes be much in the

wrong, in owning your being in the
right.

659.* Youth is pert and positive, age
modest and doubting; so ears of
corn when young and light, stand
bolt upright, but hang their heads
when weighty, full, and ripe.

670.* You will be careful, if you are wise ;
how you touch men's religion, or
credit, or eyes.

A star preceding a saying signifies that
it is to be taken as expressing two distinct
and different thoughts.

02033

:.*'*,